At Least 50 Dead, 400 Injured At Route 91 Harvest Festival In Las Vegas

Jason Aldean. Photo: Jim Wright

(Updated, Oct. 2, 9:42 a.m. CT)

The number of people injured by the shooting has increased to 400 at this time.

Jon Loba, EVP at BBR Music Group (label home to Route 91 Harvest Festival performer Jason Aldean) released the following statement.

“We are horrified by the events in Las Vegas overnight and relieved to report that all of our artists, their teams, and our staff are safe and uninjured. The country music community is a family and our listeners are a part of that family.  They put food on our tables and allow our artists and staff to live our dreams by going to events like last night. While our artists and staff are safe, our hearts are broken for those listeners in our extended family who just wanted to share a night of great music and the camaraderie that is the hallmark of country music.”

(Original post, Oct. 2, 7:23 a.m. CT)

At least 50 people are dead, and more than 200 injured, after a gunman opened fire on partygoers attending the Route 91 Harvest Festival Sunday night (Oct. 1) in Las Vegas. The event is being described as the deadliest mass shooting in US history.

The shooter, whom NBC identifies as Stephen Paddock, 64, of Mesquite, Nevada, opened fire from a room on the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Resort shortly after 10 p.m. Headliner Jason Aldean was performing onstage during the time of the shooting.

According to CNN, the shooter is dead.  Off-duty police offers are also among those struck by gunfire, according to police.

Initially, police were searching for 62-year-old Marilou Danley, believed to be a companion of the shooter. However, after making contact with Danley, police no longer consider her a person of interest.

Aldean took to social media shortly after the events occurred to reassure fans that he and his team are safe.

“Tonight has been beyond horrific. I still dont know what to say but wanted to let everyone know that Me and my Crew are safe. My Thoughts and prayers go out to everyone involved tonight. It hurts my heart that this would happen to anyone who was just coming out to enjoy what should have been a fun night. #heartbroken#stopthehate”

Others in the country music community also expressed their shock and heartbreak.

*This is a developing story*

I’m not gonna say anything else other than I’m lucky to be alive. As are many others… and so many people are gone… this is heartbreaking

— ChrisYoungMusic (@ChrisYoungMusic) October 2, 2017

Played Route 91 in Vegas the night before last. We were all singing. I’m in shock over this. Heartbroken for all those lives taken too soon.

— MAREN MORRIS (@MarenMorris) October 2, 2017

Hearts out to Vegas. Route 91 concert, stage I played two nights ago. Musicians, fans, workers, you are all in our prayers right now..

— Lee Brice (@leebrice) October 2, 2017

This world is sick ?

— Kane Brown (@kanebrown) October 2, 2017

Praying for everyone here in Vegas. I witnessed the most unimaginable event tonight. We are okay. Others arent. Please pray.

— Jake Owen (@jakeowen) October 2, 2017

Gun shots were ringing off of the stage rigging and road cases. No one knew where to go..thank you LVPD and responders for keeping us safe

— Jake Owen (@jakeowen) October 2, 2017

Everyone in the B&R camp is ok thoughts and prayers to everyone in vegas at #Route91

— Big & Rich (@bigandrich) October 2, 2017